Because the health and well-being of our students is our first priority, we have checked in by phone with every one of our 120 students and their families. It was good to hear their voices and to learn that overall they are safe (nobody with COVID-19) and have enough food at home at this time. The financial situation varies from family to family, but as of right now everyone is okay. We will continue to monitor both our students and their families and respond as need to help them through difficult times they may face in the future.
Virtual Programming

While delivery of programming is being done a little differently now our students hopes and dreams remain the same!
Here's what we are doing now!
Academics

  • Hosting online group academic sessions.
  • Continuing to track academic grades, attendance, high-school graduation rates, college acceptance rates, workforce readiness, and preparations for transition to the workforce.
  • Scheduling individual tutoring sessions to keep kids on track academically.
  • Providing emotional support in group sessions and individually as needed.
Athletics

  • On-line group physical fitness activities.
  • Continuing to track attendance and participation, and monitor overall fitness levels.
  • Group discussion regarding technique and at-home squash practice methods.
College and Beyond

  • Bi-weekly check-ins with students. More if needed.
  • Academic tutoring as needed for students.
  • Scheduling workout sessions and social time.
  • Monitoring the financial situations of our newest working cohorts.
Senior Student Update
Our seniors are getting ready to graduate!!
During recent video check-ins, seniors shared excitement about their college acceptances! Most are still waiting on their financial aid packages so they have yet to officially announce where they will be attending, with the exception of Richard, who is eager to accept his offer at UCSD! Two of our seniors have been accepted to USC, one to UC Berkeley, one to Stevens Institute of Technology and six accepted to UCSD, just to name a few. We are so proud of their accomplishments and continued perseverance during this challenging time. They are supporting each other virtually, having on-line study sessions and participating in regular virtual 'hang-out' sessions. Over the next several weeks, the seniors will work, with guidance, to interpret financial aid packages and submit their SIRs (Statement of Intent to Register).
We are so excited for them as they prepare to take their next steps! 
How You Can Help

We are working tirelessly to keep maintain routine and accountability protocols in an effort to continue nurturing early work habits, prosocial connections, supporting study, physical activity and healthy lifestyles, and ultimately college applications and acceptance, and transition to the workforce for our students.

The day will come when our lives return to normal and it is the duty of Access Youth Academy to ensure that we continue to be fully operational and in good financial standing when that moment comes.

The amount of support and guidance we have already received from our networks is a welcome reminder that we are not alone, even in the most difficult of times. Over the coming weeks, we will continue to reach out for help, and it is our hope that you will find a way to answer the call.